Senapati: A district-level programme under “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat 2.0”, a national youth campaign for a drug-free India, was organised today at Don Bosco College, Maram, by MY Bharat, Senapati, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the District Administration, Senapati.
The programme aimed to constructively engage young people in the fight against drug and substance abuse and strengthen awareness about the harmful consequences of addiction. It conveyed a strong and unified message that an aware, responsible and drug-free youth population is essential for realising the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Adahrii Maheo (MCS), Additional Deputy Commissioner, Senapati, highlighted the far-reaching social consequences of drug and substance abuse. She stated that drug abuse not only affects the physical and mental well-being of individuals but also breaks families, tears apart communities and undermines social progress for years and even decades.
Emphasising the important role of young people in combating substance abuse, the Additional Deputy Commissioner urged students to refrain from drug use and encourage their peers to do the same. She called upon the youth to become responsible ambassadors of awareness and contribute actively towards building a healthier, safer and drug-free society.
She said that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, launched by the Government of India in 2020, seeks to prevent drug abuse through awareness, education, community participation and coordinated action. She highlighted the various Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and awareness activities being undertaken by the District Youth Officer, MY Bharat, in villages and other locations across Senapati district with the participation of different stakeholders.
Highlighting the need for sustained vigilance and collective action, Adahrii Maheo said that addressing drug abuse requires the involvement of all sections of society. She stated that the district administration has been conducting sensitisation activities among communities to discourage drug use while encouraging alternative and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
She further informed that the district administration regularly reviews drug-related issues in coordination with the police, security agencies and intelligence agencies. However, she stressed that government agencies alone cannot effectively address the menace and that active community participation and meaningful engagement of youth are essential.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner thereafter led the participants in taking the “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat” pledge, reaffirming their commitment to staying away from drugs and promoting a healthier and drug-free society.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr. (Dr.) K. B. Sebastian, Principal, Don Bosco College, Maram, said that the programme was aimed at creating awareness among youth about the dangers of drug abuse and encouraging them to break free from addiction.
He called upon the district administration, participating organisations, teachers, volunteers and young people to work together to prevent substance abuse and ensure that no young person falls prey to drugs. He stressed that building a healthy, responsible and drug-free generation requires collective commitment, awareness, timely intervention and support for those struggling with addiction.
The Principal also expressed appreciation to the district authorities, organisers, partner organisations, officials, jury members, teachers, volunteers and participants for their contributions towards the successful conduct of the programme.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by John Britto, NSS Programme Officer, Don Bosco College, Maram, who described the initiative as an important youth campaign to strengthen the collective resolve to build a healthier, stronger and drug-free society.
He emphasised that the future of the nation lies with its youth and that the vision of Viksit Bharat can be realised only when young people are empowered with knowledge, values, discipline, confidence and freedom from substance abuse. He also encouraged participants to carry the campaign’s message beyond the programme by inspiring their friends, families and communities to adopt a healthy and meaningful way of life.
As part of the programme, district-level competitions were organised in Music, Dance, Nukkad Natak/Street Play, Painting, Debate/Elocution, Short Film/Reels, Slogan Writing and Slam Poetry. The competitions provided young participants with creative platforms to express their concerns about substance abuse and promote the message of a drug-free society.
Winners in the respective categories were awarded certificates and cash prizes. The district winners will advance to the State-Level Competition, while all participants will receive Participation Certificates.
The programme concluded with a renewed call for collective action to build a Nasha Mukt Yuva and a Viksit Bharat, with young people playing a leading role in creating a healthier and drug-free future.
